In:Visible Women: Illuminating debate - Liverpool Irish Festival
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In:Visible Women: Illuminating debate
Welcome to In:Visible Women
Foreword
Welcome to In:Visible Women - a concept and sex adoption, women being allowed to drive in
platform generated by conversations the Saudi Arabia) it seems ever more important that
Liverpool Irish Festival has been having with women feature. At all. That women are made
artists, academics, activists and communities visible. That taxing women for their ‘privilege’ of
about the role of women in Irish society – today being the ‘birth giver’ is reviewed. That choice
and historically. These conversations have about the use of that body is reconsidered. By
shown that (Irish) female existence is continually women. That female impact on history, welfare,
affected by outside influences and influencers politics and society is made visible. That our
and now is no different. Indeed now it’s critical. parity is understood and entrenched to replace
that of the former, in which “some of us are more
Reports show that depression and suicide is
equal than others”. Enter In:Visible Women.
escalating in our 16-24 years old women. As
older generations age, more and more women In:Visible Women is just a starting point. There
will live alone. With more men committing suicide are women’s organisations we need to speak to
between 25-45 years old, how many women and artists whose work we must see and share.
(partners, mothers, children, sisters) will have to We are barely scratching the surface, but by
cope with suicide in their lifetime? Without the beginning we are moving in the right direction. It
confidence, autonomy and positive mental health is not the panacea to solve all ‘patriarchal sin’, but
men are expected to have, how are women being it is a beginning where we can share stories,
equipped to cope? take/share space (and company) and learn (or
affirm) female world ideas and ideals.
At a time when air-brushed, millionairesses are
revered/objectified as sex symbols and girls In this act of coming together to bear witness to
compare themselves to these impossible, women and consider individual diminished
idealised versions of womanhood, is it any histories; in looking at some of today’s women
wonder that our young people are fighting with and in thinking about what tomorrow’s issues are
body dysmorphia, depression and low going to be, we are helping to tell the story of
confidence? When this is backed by conflicting womanhood – we are helping to futureproof our
views of choice vs submission, opinion vs trolling, young people – and we are collaborating to show
‘bitch’ vs ‘assertive’ branding, ‘visual recognition’ that we are here. We are not invisible. We have
vs reality and an inability to escape these views, voices and we are using them to empower
is it any wonder that women are confused? What women who came before, females here today
safe spaces remain and how are they accessed? and voices that will speak for equity in the future.
As interest in third and fourth-wave feminism You are welcome here and we feel certain that
rises and equity – between faith, ethnicity, you will hear interesting stories, learn new things
nationality, gender, etc – is continually under and take ideas with you that will help you elevate
debate… as people start employing the women in your world. Many thanks,
intersectionality and we start to create laws that Emma Smith, Director
support equitable living and parity between Liverpool Irish Festival
relational agendas (same-sex marriage, same- In:Visible Women, 2017
connected events
Visible Women: New and powerful Women in music
Fri 27 Oct 2017, 8pm; £14+7.5% booking fee liverpoolphil.com,
Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room
Further to a day of illustrated talks, installations and debate, we
present an evening of exceptional female talent, from Liverpool and
Ireland. Including four acts, the evening celebrates contemporary
music and the women making it. With modern takes on traditional
songs; self-penned tracks and exceptional instrumental talent, the
night is hosted by Gerry Ffrench, a popular local radio star and
touring musical artist in her own right. The line-up includes sets from
Emma Lusby (Limavady, Co Londonderry), Mamatung (Liverpool),
Sue Rynhart and Ailbhe Reddy (both from Dublin).
Ailbhe Reddy - press image, Pomona UK
An Béal Bocht: A Ahead of In:Visible Women…
reflection (Exhibit) After the Dance
Thurs 19 Oct-Fri 17
Nov 2017, open Mon- (Documentary;
Fri 9am-9pm; Free, just Cert PG, 75 mins)
turn up to The Florrie
Oíche Iascaireachta (detail only)
Shown Sat 21
© Deirdre McKenna Oct 2017, 12pm
Family Day at the Museum (Diverse activities) Uncle John and Aunt Mary, After The Dance (c) Daisy Asquith
Sat 28 Oct 2017, 10am-5pm; Free, just turn up
Body and Blood (Performance)
to the Museum of Liverpool. Delivered in Mon 23 and Tues 24 Oct 2017, 7.30pm
partnership with National Museums Liverpool,
Liverpool Comhaltas and Melody Makers with IndieCork considers IN:Visible Women (Films)
support from the Institute of Irish Studies at Tues 24 Oct 2017, 6.30pm
University of Liverpool and sponsored by
Spread the Word and Repeal the Eighth:
Tourism Ireland. The day also includes:
Collage workshop
- Votes for Irish Citizens abroad (VICA): A Debate
Wed 25 Oct 2017, 1pm-4pm
Sat 28 Oct 2017, 11.30am; Free, booking
required: livirishfest.eventbrite.co.uk Orla Guerin – Front lines, Fault lines and
- The Lily and the Poppy Deadlines – 30 Years of chasing the story (Talk)
(Two women talk about peace and reconciliation) Thurs 26 Oct 2017, 6pm
Sat 28 Oct 2017, 3pm-4.30; Free, booking
required – see brochure or listings.
Jane/Simply Jane Jane and Simply Jane have been commissioned from about personal freedoms, service access and support. artist Alison Little (see biography) for In:Visible Women. They include lines such as “clinical violence”, “stigma Combining a fictional piece of writing and an artwork, and silence” and “liberty”. Witnessed in a forest or on a Jane exists to help readers consider the effects of gallery floor, the haunting image of this woman, sexual violence towards women. Although it will echo dismembered and alone, is symbolic of the treatment of some experiences, it is not ‘the definitive story’, nor is it women facing difficult questions about their future. specific to an individual. We raise this not to diminish its Due to the sensitive content relayed in the following value, but to assure readers that no survivor’s story is piece - relating to sexual violence and rape culture - we being misused. This artwork will be on show during the advise reading on with caution. In:Visible Women day at Liverpool Central Lirbary. Alison’s art (seen above) depicts the torso of a woman formed from delicate paper strands, echoing the fragility Simply Jane of womanhood. The shape is held together by clear, Jane awakens. Her eyes bolt open, so much so it feels surgical plastic. This body, through which the womb as though her upper lashes are laid flat against her seen, has labels spilling from its sides. These labels eyebrows. The eyes almost detach from their position indicate an array of powerful messages that a women as the globes project up towards the ceiling, her pupil’s might receive or consider after a sexual attack. forefront in their position. Wide awake in panic again Services; choices available (or not) and labels placed from the last eight weeks and four-days since it upon her by external sources… These labels are happened. combined, showing how complex the messages are
Although a chilly night, as they often are in County Cork, After he had finished, he moved to one side and
she was sweating intensely. Her groin was wet and the appeared to fall into a drunken slumber. Jane manages
undersides of her flowering breasts were drowned in to stand slowly, edging out of the barn, away from the
perspiration. She feels down between her legs, wishfully light and noise from the party, down long country lanes,
hoping that the damp may be ‘Me Auntie Bid’ finally bushes each side, moon half visible, night owls coo-ing
arriving, six weeks and approximately three days late. in the distance, to her village, her front door, her room,
She could only feel perspiration, no thicker substance, bed, her fear.
her optimism fades away as she faces the reality of She lies in that bed tonight, thoughts rushing through
being with child. her mind about her one sexual encounter. The one she
Still anxious, twisted in her bodily position, she begins to had not wanted and the one which had left her bearing
think about it again; what happened on that ill-fated child. She tosses over in bed again, her mind engulfed
night eight weeks and four days ago. She was at a with thoughts about how to end this ordeal.
sixteenth birthday party, not far away, just the next Abortion pills? She could order online, but are they
village. It was her best friend’s shindig, they had all safe? What if she gets caught having them delivered? It
brought what beer, cider and wine they could get hold was such as small village, the Post Man knew everybody
their hands and one of the travellers had jigged in with a and the Post Mistress was always chin-wagging and
bottle of Poitín. may even open the package.
In her innocence Jane had got tipsy on the drink, then Her parents finding out seemed bad enough, but she
tipsier, finally slipping into inebriation. One of the older could even be locked up by the Garda. She could travel
fellas had been dancing with her. She didn’t really know to England or the Netherlands; a cheap flight from
who he was, he must have been from a village in the Ryanair could get her to Amsterdam. Can she get
opposite direction. As she became a little stilted in her enough money for the operation?
motion, he placed his hands on her hips, then guided
She had no-one to talk to. Her friend who had sprung
her towards the open front door. As the cold air had hit
the party had found her knickers and the barn and all the
her she began to sober up. On his suggestion they went
girls at school seemed to know that something had
to sit in the barn.
happened, she felt like they were calling her a ‘Floosie’.
As they sat on some crates he began to tell her she was
She wanted a ‘babby’ one day. It was his baby she didn’t
a ‘Wee Doll’ and how the blue of her dressed matched
want. Every day she lived in fear of seeing him again,
her eyes. After brushing his wet lips quickly across hers
smelling him again. Even the remnants of her Dad’s malt
he produced an unopened half bottle of Jameson’s. He
from his glass brought on the urge to vomit now. The
opened the lid and took a quick swig before passing it
vision of him and the memory of her inability to move as
over to Jane: ‘Come on have some’, enticing her into
he forced into her innocent body… She thinks of how
becoming drunk again.
this baby would remind her of him. It could grow up to
The next thing Jane can remember is that he is on top look like him, possibly even act like him.
of her, back flat against the concrete as he fumbles
She turns in bed again. She had no choice. She couldn’t
around her dress as he tries to remove her knickers.
have this baby, but how and when could she terminate
Jane tries to squirm and say no but he pushes himself
the pregnancy? An owl, outstretched, screeches in the
into her, she can’t move as he protrudes into her virginal
distance. She envisages the black eternity of the sky
body.
under its expanse the owl looking down on her as a
minuscule speck; alone amidst the wrongs of the World
which make up human existence.
Alison Little, 2017 littlere-makes.com
Services and support
If you have been affected by any of the contents NHS – Sexual assault and violence services are
of this document or the In:Visible Women Day, available in most UK cities. To help to locate a
please consider consulting one of the services service near you, the NHS have a service locator,
below. This is not an exhaustive list of those which you can access using this link
available, but a start point for anyone needing (successfully accessed 18 Sept 2017):
counsel, support or information. http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Sexualhealth/Pages/
Sexualassault.aspx
Abortion Support Network – if you (or a loved
one) requires access to abortion support Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) – this is
services from Ireland, Northern Island or the Isle a Mersey based support service, not a national
of Mann, the Abortion Support Network may be service +44(0) 151 666 1392
able to assist: asn.org.uk rasamerseyside.org
To call from Northern Ireland +44(0)7897 611 helpline@rasamerseyside.org If using email,
593; from Ireland +44(0)151 267370 (calls only, please be mindful of the security of your account
no texts) and/or from the Isle of Man +44(0)7897 and other people’s access.
611593 or email info@asn.org.uk If using email, Victim Support can offer assistance with how to
please be mindful of the security of your account handle reporting a crime as well as helping you
and other people’s access. through the legal procedures of pursuing a
National Centre for Domestic Violence charge. For more details of how to use these
(NCDV) provides a free, fast emergency service particular services, use this link
to survivors of domestic violence, regardless of https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/crime-
race, financial situation, gender or sexual info/types-crime/rape-sexual-assault-and-
orientation. They work closely with partner sexual-harassment (successfully accessed 18
agencies and help people apply for an injunction Sept 2017).
quickly ncdv.org.uk (successfully accessed10 If you are supporting someone you know to have
Oct 2017). survived a violent, sexual encounter, there are
some interesting and useful points in this online
National Domestic Violence Helpline runs a article, from The Everyday Feminist (successfully
freephone 24 Hour a day helpline, run in accessed 18 Sept 2017):
partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge. It https://everydayfeminism.com/2013/01/how-
is a national service for women experiencing to-help-sexually-assaulted-friend/
domestic violence, their family, friends,
colleagues and others calling on their behalf To reiterate: this is not a complete list of services
+44(0) 808 2000 247 available or of the resources you can access. You
are not alone. If you need support an online
search will show you support and resources in
your area or a national organisation you can
Image opposite: Jane © Alison Little contact.
Speaker/contributor Biographies
Abortion Support Network
Abortion Support Network provides financial assistance and accommodation to
those travelling from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man
for abortion procedures. Funding is available on a case by case basis, depending on financial need
and availability of funding. Individuals are asked to contact ASN before booking travel as they can
also advise on the least expensive clinics and methods of transport. ASN provide confidential, non-
judgmental information to anyone who contacts them via phone or email about travelling to England
for an abortion, as well as information about reputable providers of early medical abortion pills by
post, which they also provide information on. asn.org.uk
Máire Doolin
Máire is Chair of the Liverpool Irish Centre and an Industrial Officer for the Public and Commercial
Services Union. An active member of the Irish community, Máire has a Business Studies Degree and
an MA in International Trade Union Studies. It was through this study that Máire drew focus on many
of the diminished histories of Liverpool, Liverpool Irish and Irish women who fought for change and
active reform at the turn of the nineteen-hundreds, paving the way for the suffrage movement.
liverpoolirishcentre.org
Melissa Friend
Melissa is an graduate of Chester University. Her research has uncovered a number of individual
stories that collectively help to show the impact made by Liverpool and Liverpool Irish women in
1916. chester.ac.uk
Alison Little
Alison is an artist based in Anfield in Liverpool. She has worked on a number of
large scale commissions including Go Superlambanana, Go Penguin,
Cheltenham Horse Parade and more recently the Nottingham Biennial and has
smaller works for sale at Arts Hub 47, Lark Lane (Liverpool). “I was conceived an artist and have
spent the moments since birth developing my practice, something which will continue throughout
my life”. littlere-makes.com
Liverpool Irish Festival
Liverpool Irish Festival brings Liverpool and Ireland closer together through arts
and culture. The festival provides a snap shot of high & popular culture,
accommodating all aspects of the Liverpool Irish community and Ireland’s
creativity; maker, spectator & participant. The festival is about exchange rather than a broadcast or
lecture. We are convivial, diverse, distinct & daring. It is for everyone. liverpoolirishfestival.com
/LivIrishFest #LivIrishFest2017 #InVisibleWomen
London-Irish Abortion Rights Campaign
The London-Irish Abortion Rights Campaign calls for the repeal of the 8th
amendment from the Irish constitution (ROI) and campaigns for access to free
safe legal abortion in Ireland and Northern Ireland. They are the London branch of the Abortion
Rights Campaign in Ireland, and a member of the Coalition to Repeal the 8th Amendment.
londonirisharc.com | repealeighth.ie | abortionrightscampaign.ie Handles: /londonirisharc
/ldnirisharc
Julieann O’Malley
Julieann is an interdisciplinary artist based in Liverpool. Her practice focuses
upon live durational performance, film, sound and photography. O’Malley likes
to condense ideas; using semiotics as a communication method, finding
ways to explore, engage and create ‘open’ dialogues about the ever-changing environments and
practices of society. vimeo.com/user3545057 @JulieannOMalley
Still from Julieann O’Malley’s work; title to be confirmed, 2017
Dr Casey Orr
Casey – originally from Delaware, USA - is a documentary photographer, researcher
and senior lecturer at Leeds Beckett University. Her work has been shown at the
University of the Arts (Philadelphia), in The Observer Magazine, The Royal
Photographic Society’s Contemporary Photography Magazine, the Tour De France cultural
programme, LOOK/15 Liverpool International Photography Festival, Yorkshire Sculpture Park and at
HM Prison Leeds (the first time this space was ever used for art). Along with Saturday Girls, Casey
has also concluded another all-women project Animality, Women and Animals. caseyorr.com |
leedsbeckett.ac.uk @caseyannorr
Casey portrait: Casey Orr, Hasselblad 503, LOOK15 © Tony Cearns, 2015
In:Visible women: illuminating debates
Note about the day and schedule
Any of these sessions could include discussion
about ‘sinful’ pregnancies, shame, arranged
marriages, faith crises, institutional abuse, secret
adoptions and illegal abortions; many of which
retain influence and impact on families and
communities today and are highlighted elsewhere
in the festival programme. In:Visible Women builds
relationships with artists, academics and
organisations to deliver illuminating talks, films,
performances, artworks and written features to
start making ‘invisible’ women’s issues, visible.
We know this can be emotional and/or
contentious. Everyone involved aims to address
these matters from an empathetic position, aimed
to assist women in gaining equity. It is
unapologetically a pro-choice and pro-women
day. We expect those present to behave and
speak with empathy and mindfulness and hope
that, in this way, we can have difficult
conversations without creating new wounds or
generating aggression. Untitled from series Saturday Girl Liverpool, 2015 © Casey Orr .
Introduction Saturday Girls: Casey Orr
9.30am: Emma Smith, Director of the Liverpool 11.30am-12.30pm - Illustrated talk about today’s
Irish Festival opens the day young women in Liverpool and Belfast
Morning sessions – talks and interactive inquiry Casey is an American artist who has lived in
9.35am-11.30am: Máire Doolin, Chair of Liverpool northern England for over a decade. A prolific
Irish Centre and Melissa Friend, Chester photographer, with multiple projects on the go at
University graduate any one time and a lecturing role at Leeds Beckett
University, Casey’s project Saturday Girl is the
Unveiling a number of discrete, yet important
project Casey thinks she could keep returning to
case histories of Liverpool, Liverpool Irish and/or
for life. In this illustrated talk, Casey looks at
Irish women, the morning sessions set the scene
Saturday Girl Liverpool and Saturday Girl Belfast,
for exploring historic issues women still face
casting her eye forward to what Saturday Girl
today, particularly in certain Irish communities. By
Dublin might raise.
recognising their influence and impact we aim to
redress their abilities and attributes.Jane: Alison Little
12.30pm-1.30pm – Sculpture in practice
Alison presents Jane (seen above), the sculpture
she made to embody the issues of womanhood.
In this artist’s talk, Alison considers her motivation,
the execution of the work and gives audience
members the opportunity to see the work – and
its incredible labels – up close.
Alison will read Simply Jane aloud at lunch for
anyone who would like to stay and listen. Still from film in production: We Watch, We Wait © Julieann O'Malley
Lunch We watch, we wait: Julieann O’Malley
Lunch is not provided. Guests are invited to visit 3.30pm-4.30pm – Artist discussion about working
the Library café or nearby restaurants and cafes, positively with women on the subject of abortion
including The Walker Art Gallery’s café, World
Julieann O’Malley is an artist based in Liverpool.
Museum or Head of Steam (Lime Street). You may
She is in the process of developing a film
bring pack ups to eat on the roof or street terrace.
involving 40 women and the subject of abortion.
Your body, your rights: Law, Ireland and abortion At the time of writing, the film is still being cut and
the women still being consulted – the process is
2.30pm-3pm – London-Irish Abortion Rights
live and the results untested. The film aims to take
Campaign session
a sensitive look at the journey women undertake,
Discussions move to those of women’s rights and powered by the sounds lived and witnessed by
abortion legislation in the afternoon. Current laws those who travel, often independently and alone.
in the Irish Republic, Northern Ireland and England The session may include a public screening or be
still allow 11 women per day to travel to England a work in development – either way, Julieann’s
to procure abortions. This sessions looks at the experience and contact with women’s views,
current legislation to set the scene for what concepts and/or experience of abortion in the city
women are experiencing today. will be explored.
3pm-3.30pm – What are the repeal movement
Summary and close
and rights activists campaigning for?
4.30pm – In:Visible Women day closes. Emma
Having considered current abortion legislation in
Smith will wrap up the day.
the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and
England, the following session discusses what is All participants are encouraged to attend Visible
being done to affect positive changes to these Women: New and Powerful Women in Music,
laws to acknowledge that abortion is not just a taking place later on at the Liverpool Philharmonic
matter for women, but society and legislature. Music Room, shifting the balance from daytime
invisibility to evening visibility!The Liverpool Irish Festival
Liverpool Irish Festival is a registered charity supported
by Liverpool City Council’s cultural investment
Registered charity: 1100126
programme and the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade of Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme. Company number: 04800736
In:Visible Women has been supported with festival info@liverpoolirishfestival.com
funding, but also with in-kind support from Liverpool Office number: +44(0) 151 291 6739
Central Library, London-Irish Abortion Rights Campaign
Festival mobile: +44(0) 7804 286 145
and Abortion Support Network and our speakers, artists
and contributors. Thanks go to everyone involved in #LivIrishFest2017 #LIF2017
making this happen, including the Board who have #InVisibleWomen
offered this their ongoing, multi-year commitment.You can also read
